Jack Green will take a break from athletics next year to recover from depression.

The University of Bath-based athlete reached the semi-finals of the 400m hurdles at London 2012 but competed infrequently last year and will not participate in the 2014 World Class Performance Programme.

The programme is funded by the national lottery through UK Sport and is designed to maximise the potential of athletes capable of claiming medals at major championships. Green, aged 22, will sit out next year to focus on his recovery.

In statement released by British Athletics, Green said: “Those close to me and working with me know I have been suffering with depression over the last year, and despite a full recovery, I believe a break is necessary for my mental health.

“Athletics at the top level requires an application that I had, disappointingly, not been able to give it in recent times, which made life both on and off the track extremely difficult for me and I need to step back for a period of time.

“I wanted to be open and honest about my reasons for taking this break. I have been lucky to be so well supported during this time by the British Athletics support staff, but I realise this can be a difficult subject matter and if me being honest offers anyone else some support then that can only be a good thing.

“I'd like to thank the British Athletics performance team including my coach Malcolm Arnold for their support and understanding leading up to this difficult decision.”

British Athletics performance director Neil Black added: “We fully support Jack in what has obviously been a tough decision and I'm really pleased that he has been open about his reasons. We look forward to seeing Jack back in the sport once he has had enough time to recuperate.”

Green won European Under-23 400m hurdles gold in 2011 and was also part of the team who finished fourth in the 4x400m relay final at last year's Olympics.

Stephen Baddeley, director of sport at the University of Bath, said: “In his time training at the University of Bath, Jack has represented Great Britain at an Olympic Games and a World Championships, two goals that some top-flight athletes can spend their entire careers pursuing.

“Yet Jack is still only 22. He is undoubtedly a very talented sportsman and he still has most of his sporting career ahead of him.

“Jack has always played a full part in the sporting community at the University of Bath and has been a fine ambassador, both for athletics and for the University of Bath.

“I'd like to take this opportunity to wish him every success in overcoming his health issues and we hope to see him resume his sporting career as soon as he feels able.”